ASPECTS OF RUSSIA

Press, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22240, 3 November 1937, Page 20

ASPECTS OF RUSSIA

TO THE EDITOB 0» THE, PBESS.

Sir,—The Russian Union of Soviet Socialist Republics has been receiving a fair amount of attention of late, both in the press and from the pulpit. Adverse criticism has been levelled at the system of government established Jn the vast territory of the U.S.S.R., with its huge populations. I am of tne opinion that the people of Russia can be trusted to look after their interests in the manner they decide to be the best for themselves, and perhaps, if unduly criticised, they might remark, "Let those who are without sin cast the first stone." This much-abused Government of Russia has been in existence for about 20 years, and has not carried on a war of aggression against any other nation, but has joined with the League of Nations to prevent war. What have the critics to say to this? I contend that as long as Russia does not interfere with, constitutional government in other countries, it is, to say the least, presumption on the part of individuals, not being Russian citizens, to find fault, land that with a fair amount of sophistry. Notwithstanding these critics, it cannot be truthfully denied that the Russians have made great progress since the revolution of 1917. The population has increased in a greater ratio than ever before, educa-

tion is being diffused amongst the masses, and superstitions have been abolished with beneficial results to the great nation. Production of wealth is greater than ever before, both from land, mines, and factories; in fact, generally, the Russians have made great progress, and have kept abreast of, if not made greater advancement, than most other nations. In these circumstances it is grossly incorrect for any person to say that the great mass of Russians are not more happy than under the government of the Tsar, the knout and Siberia. I have a shrewd idea that the fault found with Russia by puny critics is not on account of her internal systems, but her foreign policy, her connexion with the League of Nations and conjoint agreements with our Britisn Commonwealth of Nations, France, and all peace-loving countries opposea to Fascism to preserve the peace ol the world. This, I think, will be accomplished by the democratic governments communing and acting togetnei. Havoc and the dogs of war would have been let loose long ago if the «reat Russian nation had not come to an understanding with France and England. It should not be forgotten that Germany left the League of Nations, and that Italy has acted m opposition to the League, and is supporting led by Franco, against a legitimate government which is a member of the League. However. I am sure that right will triumph ultimately.— Yours, etc., HENRy BETTS Reefton, November 1, 1937.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE PRESS. sir ._l should like to congratulate the Rev. O. W. Williams on his talk on the U.S.S.R., as reported m "The Press," because, despite some glaring inaccuracies, the tenor oi his remarks was iavr in comparison to some of the abuse and slander that this great country is subjected to It is not surprising to see u. r . Seward rushing into print deprecating the Rev O. W Williams's remarks on the grounds that they "come from one whole profession is the teaching of the Christian religion." when one reads his subsequent remarks, for in contrast to the Rev. O. W Williams, G. F. Seward resorts to the same old bigoted and ignorant statements that have been trotted out for years past. G' F Seward questions the economic and cultural prosperity of the peoples of the U.S.S.R.. and how delighted he would be in his Christian way to prove it if it were possible. However, incompatible as it may be to G. F. Seward, the prosperity of the U.S.S.R. is an established fact, and furthermore, its Prosperity increases from day to day. The U.S.s.K. has abolished unemployment and economic insecurity from its midst forever. The conditions of the workers and peasants under the Tsarist regime, and under Socialism cannot be compared, and consequently it is an insult to the intelligence of all thinking people to deny that good is not emanating from the U.S.S.R. Its progress has been phenomenal considering the extreme backwardness of the country before the revolution. This year it has just finished harvesting the largest crop in the history of the country, which was made wossible only by tne success of the collective farms. Also, with the completion of many of their lighter industries, the people have been furnished with a greater number of consumers' goods. Real prosperity is such that the figures on the retail turnover of the State and co-operative trading organisations has trebled that of 1933, despite the continual fall in prices of all commodities. Most people are familiar with thb attitude and the decadent nature if the Church which prevailed in Tsarist Russia. It was always the willing tool of the ruling class and was instrumental in keeping the masses in a frightful state of ignorance and suppression. Is it any wonder that many of the priests were harshly dealt with in the initial stage? of the revolution?— Yours, etc., A.B.C. November 2, 1937. j